So many characters with so many secrets and deviant behaviors makes this 4th installment of the D.S. McAvoy British police procedural novels a winner. I did have some trouble sorting out the baddies from the goodies mid-read, but the wrap up at the end was worth the trouble. The murder that took place in the 1960's was just a backdrop for the other crimes uncovered in the organized crime life of Hull in Yorkshire. McAvoy is pressed back into service from sick leave by his supervisor to investigate a decades-old serial murder. The gent that was institutionalized for the crimes may be granted a trial after all these years. While at the church yard where the murders supposedly took place, McAvoy stumbles upon a gritty, dark secret. Warning! There is violence and descriptions of unspeakable torture, so not for the faint of heart. My thanks to the author and Penguin's First to Read program for a complimentary copy. ( )

The first thing I want to say is that to really enjoy this book you should read the ones before it to really know what is happening in this story. This was the first book I have read by David Mark and it will not be my last. I did have a little trouble in the beginning not knowing all the characters and what had previously happened but I soon did catch up enough and really enjoyed the story and the characters. There were a lot of twists and turns. I really loved Detective Sergeant Aector McAvoy and his son. This made me cry in many places and get really worried what was going to happen to everyone. I look forward to reading the next installment and may need to go back and read more of his others. I received an ebook copy from FirsttoRead for a fair and honest opinion. ( )

See my reviews of the first three books in the DS Aector McAvoy series here:

The Dark Winter: https://www.librarything.com/work/12101497/reviews/118314406

Original Skin: https://www.librarything.com/work/13510529/reviews/118316031

Sorrow Bound: https://www.librarything.com/work/14867525/reviews/118363836

I feel like I'm repeating myself (which is probably to be expected when I read and review four books in a series back-to-back). Mark's plotting continues to improve; although I found McAvoy's investigation of the Peter Coles case to be a bit convoluted, the broader storyline surrounding the Headhunters is coming together beautifully, and I finally understand why they are so focused on McAvoy and his family.

McAvoy and Pharaoh are still thin characters, making them hard to care about. However, the ending of Taking Pity gives me some hope that, with the next book, McAvoy in particular will gain some depth and complexity.

I do have to compliment Blue Rider Press on the new cover designs. I really like the bright background colors and the titles enclosed by the simple figures.

I received a free copy of Taking Pity through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )